Cardinal Rules of Radiation Protection Quiz

What are the 3 cardinal principles of radiation safety

Time, distance, shielding

Why does minimizing time reduce radiation exposure

Less exposure time results in a lower radiation dose

How does distance affect radiation exposure

Increasing distance reduces exposure due to the inverse square law

What is the purpose of shielding in radiation protection

To absorb or block radiation before it reaches the person

What fluoroscopy technique reduces beam “on” time

Pulse-progressive fluoroscopy

Why should repeat exposures be avoided

They increase unnecessary radiation dose

What is the recommended minimum SID

40 inches

Who is the primary source of radiation

The patient

Where is the least exposure location for a technologist during fluoro

To the side of the table

Why should technologists avoid standing at the head or foot of the table

Scatter radiation exposure is higher in those areas

How does collimation reduce radiation dose

It limits radiation to the area of interest only

When should a lead apron be provided to the patient

When it does not interfere with the visualization of the anatomy of interest

Why should shielding not be placed in the light field when using AEC

It can cause the AEC to raise exposure, increasing radiation dose

What protective equipment should techs wear during fluoro or mobile exams

Lead apron and thyroid shield

Why should techs stand behind fixed or mobile barriers

This will reduce radiation exposure

Why must techs wear an occupational radiation monitor

To monitor and record radiation exposure

Where should the radiation monitor be worn

Outside the lead apron at the collar

Why should technologists never stand in the primary beam

It contains the highest radiation intensity

Why is familiarity with radiation procedures a safety risk

It can lead to complacency and unsafe practices

Why should technologists never hold a patient during an exam

It unnecessarily exposes them to radiation

Who may hold a patient if mechanical restraints cannot be used

A family member or friend

What protective apparel must be worn by someone holding a patient

Lead apron, thyroid shield, and lead gloves

When should gonadal shielding be used

On people of childbearing age or younger when it does not interfere with the exam

Why should pelvic exams be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy

The fetus is most sensitive to radiation during early development

Why should exams be collimated to the smallest field size possible

To minimize patient and occupational radiation exposure